Snow by Deborah M. Brown Page B

even faster rhythm. Charming’s hands were fisted at his sides as he leaned forward watching with heavy lidded eyes. Rui dropped to his knees. With a cry, his body bowed backwards as he spent himself. A shudder ripped through him. He bent forward again, head hanging. His long, wet hair hid his face. Charming surged to his feet, his hands working at the buttons of his shirt. With a muffled oath, he pulled it off over his head and let it drop, revealing a lean, muscled torso with a pelt of thick black hair across his chest.
    He took hold of Rui’s hair and yanked his head up, leaning down to kiss him fiercely. “You are so beautiful,” Snow White heard him murmur. Dropping to his knees, he grasped Rui’s shoulders and pressed him down against the grass, covering him with his body. They continued to kiss hungrily, arms and legs entwined. Rui rolled over so that Charming lay beneath him and pinned his arms above his head.
    “More beautiful than your Snow Princess?”
    Charming gave a ragged laugh, his body moving restlessly beneath Rui’s. “You are jealous, aren’t you, my love? If you are a good boy, I’ll let you share.”
    “Oh, I can be a very good boy.” Rui pressed kisses down Charming’s neck and across his chest.
    At some time, Snow White must have taken hold of Kaliko’s hand. She was squeezing his fingers now. He met her eyes and without a word they backed away as quietly as they had come.
    By the time they reached the palace, still without a word being exchanged, Snow White was trembling. Kaliko followed her into her sitting room where she came to an abrupt halt.
    “I am such a fool,” she said bitterly. “Allowing myself to believe that a few pretty words meant so much. Allowing myself to dream… Why should I believe that anyone could ever love me?” Her voice broke.
    “How could anyone not love you?” Kaliko said, and his voice shook too. He spun her about so that she faced the silver mirror that hung upon the wall. “You are beautiful, Snow. The fairest of them all. How could I not love you?” His voice dropped to a whisper. “My Snow.”
    She stared at him in amazement. He lifted one hand and tenderly wiped away a tear that was trickling down her cheek.
    “My Snow,” he said again, standing on tiptoes to press his lips against hers. His kiss was so gentle, but she could sense the passion and the hunger that lay beneath it. She opened her mouth, and Kaliko made a sound and kissed her harder. They broke apart, panting, and Kaliko paled.
    “My princess,” he said hoarsely. “Forgive me.”
    Snow White looked at him there before her with his golden skin and his head of black, tousled curls. His soft, black eyes. Her heart jumped, and this time it was as if it had moved to the place where it was always supposed to be. How had she been so blind, never seeing what was there in front of her? She touched his face and felt him tremble beneath her fingers.
    “Kaliko,” she said wonderingly.
    “My Snow,” he said as his mouth sought hers once more.
    They kissed until Snow White felt as if her bones were melting with pleasure. Then Kaliko took her hand and led her to the bedroom. Slowly, between kisses, they undressed each other. She felt no embarrassment when she finally stood naked before him. They studied each other’s bodies with unconcealed delight. Snow White let her hand trace the shape of his mouth, trail over his shoulder and chest. His taut, flat belly. Her fingers brushed against his erection, and he hissed, his body shivering in response. Lowering his head, he took one of her nipples in his mouth and suckled, gently at first, then more firmly. She emitted a sharp cry of pleasure, her fingers working through his curls.
    “My Snow,” he said when he lifted his head, his eyes wide and dark with passion. They lay upon the bed, and he covered her with his body, rising on his hands to gaze down at her. A look of uncertainty crossed his face. “I have never done this before,” he said.